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Distinctive voices
Shine in winning haiku.
Three winners announced.
| | On International Haiku Poetry Day (April 17), BCPS announced the winners of the 2026 Team BCPS Haiku Contest selected from nearly 2,000 entries from 123 schools, centers, and programs. BCPS students were challenged to write haiku inspired by one of 10 pieces of student artwork. | | |
Silver globe of light
Wishes wait on every breath
scattered to the sky
Mabel Abidakun, Grade 5
Lyons Mill Elementary School
Teacher: Melissa Andrulonis
| Art prompt by Cristina Gonzalez, Grade 11, Kenwood High School | | |
Yellow against blue,
A battle of dominance
a war between hues.
Muhammad-Jahid Khan, Grade 6
Ridgely Middle School
Teacher: Samantha Datnoff
| Art prompt by Anna Shultz, Grade 12, Loch Raven High School | | |
Covered dead life where,
autumn kissed the leaves goodnight.
Grief hides in winter.
Rose Malone, Grade 12
Catonsville High School
Teacher: Robert Oehrli
| Art prompt by Rohan Patel, Grade 11, Eastern Technical High School | | Each winner has received a gift basket, including a $100 Amazon gift card, from The Education Foundation of BCPS, Inc., and a $25 gift card from The Ivy Bookshop. Winners will also receive framed prints of their haiku and the artwork that inspired them. Learn more about the contest and its winners in a news release. | | Baltimore Ravens & Under Armour provide support to establish girls flag football initiative in Baltimore County schools | | |
The Baltimore Ravens and Under Armour have partnered with Baltimore County Public Schools to provide grant funding and uniforms to support a high school girls flag football program beginning in the fall of 2026.
Each participating team will receive $10,000 in funding from The Baltimore Ravens to help support the development and sustainability of the program at their respective schools. Under Armour will continue to outfit custom uniforms for each team.
“As we enter the fourth year of girls high school flag football in Maryland, we’re proud to partner with Baltimore County, home of our Under Armour Performance Center,” Ravens senior vice president of marketing Brad Downs said. “As we move closer to statewide sanctioning, we believe the sport is well-positioned for continued growth in 2026 and beyond. We remain just as committed in Year Four as we were at the outset and will continue to provide grant funding and uniforms alongside Under Armour to schools across the state. We strongly believe that female athletes should have the opportunity to play football throughout Maryland, and we are working diligently to make that vision a reality.”
“Girls’ flag football is more than a new sport – it’s a movement that expands opportunity and redefines what’s possible,” said Michael Sye, BCPS director of athletics. “Every time our female student athletes step onto the field, they show strength, courage and the unstoppable power of believing in themselves. This program builds confidence, leadership, and resilience, creating athletes who will inspire future generations and change the game far beyond the sidelines.”
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The graduating senior profile series continues for the Class of 2026
To honor the Class of 2026, BCPS is profiling one senior from each high school. A new profile will be highlighted on the website and social media each school day until Friday, May 22, the last day for seniors. These profiles highlight the strengths of our seniors and their diversity. Please follow along and share your support on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) as they are posted each day.
| | Highlighting the school library at Seventh District Elementary School | | In recognition of School Library Month, BCPS is sharing a series of short videos on social media about the amazing impact of our school libraries. This video highlights library media specialist Travis Knox of Seventh District Elementary School. | | | Students in Grades 3-12 participated in the Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) competition | | Chadwick teacher Alison Benkovic named one of two finalists for The Scripps National Spelling Bee's Educator of the Year Award | | | | |
The Scripps National Spelling Bee has named Alison Benkovic one of two finalists for its 2026 Educator of the Year Award. Benkovic is a National Board Certified English Language Development teacher at Chadwick Elementary School. She was recently named the BCPS 2026-2027 Elementary School Teacher of the Year and is a finalist for the school system's Teacher of the Year Award.
In a post about Benkovic, the Scripps National Spelling Bee wrote, "Through [Benkovic's] leadership, Chadwick's spelling bee program has become a thriving tradition that celebrates perseverance, pride, and the power of words."
| | Padonia International Principal Jennifer Hernandez appointed to national advisory panel for Fred Rogers Productions | | |
Jennifer Hernandez, principal of Padonia International Elementary SchooI, has been appointed as one of 15 members of the inaugural Education Impact Advisory at Fred Rogers Productions.
The Education Impact Advisory was created to ensure that Fred Rogers Productions’ work—best known for Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood, Donkey Hodie, and Alma’s Way—continues to meaningfully support children, families, caregivers, and educators.
"I am especially proud to represent Baltimore County Public Schools in this work and to bring the perspectives of our students, families, and educators to a national platform focused on equity, empathy, and child development," said Hernandez. "This opportunity aligns strongly with BCPS priorities around whole‑child learning, social‑emotional growth, and culturally responsive education."
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Deer Park Middle Magnet School awarded national garden grant to support student wellness and learning
Deer Park Middle Magnet School has been awarded a 2026 GroMoreGood Grassroots Grant from KidsGardening and The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation, recognizing the school’s commitment to student wellness, environmental learning, and community engagement. The school is one of 120 grant recipients nationally and one of only two schools in Maryland to receive grants.
The funding will support the transformation of two courtyard spaces into student-centered environments that promote emotional wellness, environmental stewardship, and hands-on learning. Students will grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs while also accessing a dedicated wellness courtyard designed for reflection, mindfulness, and restorative practices.
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As a newly designated community school, Deer Park is intentionally developing programs that respond to student and family needs. “This project is about creating spaces where students feel grounded, supported, and connected," said Community School Facilitator MaatenRe Ramin. "As a community school, we are committed to addressing the whole child, and this project allows us to do that in a meaningful way.”
Families and community members interested in volunteering or partnering are encouraged to connect with Ramin at mramin@bcps.org.
| | 'Tis the season for PreKindergarten and Kindergarten registration | | |
It is time to register children for PreKindergarten and Kindergarten ahead of the 2026-2027 school year.
Parents/guardians who wish to register their child for enrollment in a PreKindergarten 3 or PreKindergarten 4 class should contact their home school.
Kindergarten is required for all students living in Maryland. Parents/guardians should contact their neighborhood elementary school to register their child for Kindergarten.
| | | Families may also call the Department of Early Childhood Programs at 443-809-4313 for more information. | | |
Registration still open for BCPS dance and music enrichment programs
Families encouraged to register promptly
| | Registration is still open for BCPS dance and music camps. Enrollment priority will be given to current BCPS students and children of BCPS staff. All camps will cost $185 per student, which includes a camp T-shirt or tote bag and bus transportation (if needed). Fee waivers are available for students who do not have permanent or adequate housing. Financial assistance and payment plans can be requested. Translated camp information is available on the summer camp websites. | | |
Summer Dance Intensive
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Wednesday, June 24, through Friday, June 26, and Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Milford Mill Academy, 3800 Washington Ave., Windsor Mill 21244.
- Open to students in Grades 5-12.
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Summer Dance Intensive registration form
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Summer Music Camp
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Wednesday, June 24, through Friday, June 26, and Monday, June 29, through Wednesday, July 1, from 10 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
- Perry Hall High School, 4601 Ebenezer Rd., Perry Hall 21236
- Open to students in Grades 5-12 who are enrolled in their school’s music program.
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Summer Music Camp registration form
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for parents/caregivers
from BCPS Parent University
| | Eastern Tech PTSA invites high school families to a workshop about online safety | | |
“Create with Kindness: Learn, Share, and Build Safer Online Spaces” workshop
Tuesday, April 21, from 5:30-8 p.m.
Eastern Technical High School, 1100 Mace Ave., Essex 21221
The Eastern Tech PTSA invites high school families to attend an in-person workshop and discussion about online safety. The free event includes dinner and a drawing for door prizes. Registration required. This event is presented by the Eastern Tech PTSA with support from TikTok and in collaboration with National PTA.
| | Family Support Services hosts session on the power of resilience and high expectations | | The BCPS Office of Family Support Services invites families to participate in an inspiring virtual session on Wednesday, April 22, from 6-7 p.m. Guest speaker Consquilla Carey will share her experiences pushing back against people and systems that said, "Your son will never ______." Register to attend. | | for your viewing pleasure | | |
mission moment
from The Education Foundation of BCPS
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The foundation's associate director graduates from Next Level Leaders Program
Congratulations to Dr. Heather Wooldridge!
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The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc., is proud to announce Associate Director Dr. Heather Wooldridge’s graduation from The Next Level Leaders Program. The Next Level Leaders program is the cornerstone of Dr. Nancy Grasmick's Leadership Institute at Towson University.
"The Next Level Leaders program helped me hone my leadership skills, polish my presentation skills, and develop a proposal to establish an endowment for The Education Foundation of Baltimore County Public Schools, Inc.,” said Wooldridge. “I highly recommend the program!"
More information about the program can be found in the latest Mission Moment blog post.
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April 20, 2026
Dear Reader:
April is School Library Month, and throughout BCPS, we are committed to nurturing a love of reading in students at every grade level.
Library media centers are often at the heart of our schools, offering safe places for self-discovery, connection, and intellectual curiosity. These centers are filled with books and other materials on a wide range of topics.
Our dedicated staff teach lessons on digital citizenship, support students in conducting research, engage students in reading challenges, and coordinate projects with Baltimore County Public Library.
During School Library Month, we recognize the impact and vitality of school libraries in BCPS and across the nation.
Regards,
Myriam Rogers, Ed.D.
Superintendent
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And the winner is...
Watch Champions for Children celebration live on Wednesday, April 29
| | Tune in live for our Champions for Children Celebration on Wednesday, April 29, at 4:45 p.m. as we honor the nominees for BCPS Teacher, Principal, and Assistant Principal of the Year, announce the winners, and celebrate a variety of other all-star school supporters, including a "Rising Star" Teacher of the Year, Supporting Services Employee of the Year, Transportation Champion, and more! | | Gearing up for BCPS College & Career Decision Day on Friday, May 1 | | |
To celebrate BCPS College & Career Decision Day on Friday, May 1, as well as the school system’s culture of promoting higher education and career preparation, all graduating seniors who have committed to a college or university or career plans are asked to share their news on social media on May 1 or via email to communications@bcps.org.
In addition, all BCPS staff members, students, and community members are encouraged to wear college gear and post photos on social media.
Don't forget to tag BCPS on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter) when sharing photos!
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Upcoming Board meetings
All are welcome to attend
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Board of Education meeting
Tuesday, April 21, at 6:30 p.m.
BCPS headquarters/Greenwood, 6901 N. Charles St., Building E, Towson 21204
Southeast Area Education Advisory Council meeting
Monday, April 27, at 7 p.m.
Seneca Elementary School, library, 545 Carrollwood Rd., Baltimore 21220
Topic: Blueprint update
Baltimore County PTA Council general meeting, elections, presentations/workshops
Thursday, April 30, at 7 p.m.
Virtual
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